Doing Time - a thought-provoking exhibition telling the story of 175 years of Winchester Prison history, the harsh prison regimes of the past and today’s focus on education, training and reform.
Find out more about the public hangings of the past, internment of notable criminals like Rosemary West, the inmates’ ‘newspaper’ created from stories shared in morse code on prison pipes by conscientious objectors in WW1 and the harsh punishments and living conditions endured by Victorian prisoners.
Contemporary prison life is revealed in a series of interviews with staff including prison chaplain David Hinks who shares the challenges of supporting prisoners with complex social, mental and physical needs.
The impact of what often can be life-changing education and training, healthcare and counselling is told in the words of prisoners who have turned their lives around at HMP Winchester.
Prisoners’ art and artefacts from the past will also be on display.
The book and exhibition were written by Winchester Magazine editor Liz Kavanagh who spent over six months visiting the prison before, after and during the pandemic when prisoners were almost permanently locked in cells.
Photography by award-winning Winchester photographer Javaid Akhtar features throughout, revealing the stark reality of prison life today.
Liz Kavanagh comments: “Last year, 2700 men pass through Winchester Prison, on remand, awaiting release and serving sentences.
“The exhibition provides a fascinating insight into the prison history of the past and offers an overview of the many individuals who make up the prison – from teachers and prison officers to the prisoners themselves. Their stories have been written as they have been told - without agenda.
“They reveal the huge challenges that the prison faces operationally as well as the dedication of the people who work there. They also highlight the pitfalls of a criminal justice system where reoffending is far too common. The stories told by prisoners are particularly insightful, revealing how debt, drug addiction and lack of family support can all lead to crime.”
Event: Monday 10th June – Wednesday 12th June, 9.30am – 5:00pm
Ticket: Free
